بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا
"You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah." [Surah Al Ahzab 33:21]
Each aspect of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) life exemplifies his perfection and is invaluable for those who seek a model of guidance because it is specifically designed by Allah Subhana wa'taala for this purpose. All of his attributes, virtues and qualities have been showered on him as gifts from The Creator.
When Aisha RA was asked about the character of the Messenger of Allah, she replied:
“Kaana khuluquhu al Qur’an”. His manners/character/mode of behavior was (consistent with) the Qur'an.
Allah SWT described the Prophet ﷺ saying: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character." [68:4]
I. Honesty and Trustworthiness
- It is common knowledge that even before nubuwat Rasool Allah ﷺ was well known for his honesty. He was called As-Saadiq Al-Ameen which roughly translates to the truthful and the trustworthy.
- At the height of persecution by the mushrikeen, when most of the believers had migrated to Madinah, Rasool Allah ﷺ ordered his cousin, Ali b. Abi Talib RA to postpone his migration for three days to return to people the valuables that they had deposited with Rasool Allah for safekeeping.
- Another example of his honesty, trustworthiness and reliability is demonstrated in the Truce of Hudaibiyah, wherein he agreed to the article in the treaty which stated that any man who left the Prophet ﷺ would not be returned to him, and any man who left Makkah would be returned to them. Before the treaty was concluded, Abu Jandal ibn Amr RA had managed to escape from the pagans of Makkah and rushed to join Muhammad ﷺ. The pagans asked Muhammad to honor his pledge and return the escapee. The Messenger of God ﷺ said:"O Abu Jandal! Be patient and ask God to grant you patience. God will surely help you and those who are persecuted and make it easy for you. We have signed an agreement with them, and we certainly do not betray or act treacherously." (Baihaquee #18611)
II. Good Manners
Rasool Allah ﷺ never lost his temper or became abusive. Even when someone really exasperated him, he responded in a mild way.
- Anas RA said, “I served the Messenger of Allah for ten years; he never yelled at me, he never hit, he never reprimanded me.”
- Aisha RA said, “Allah's Messenger never laid his hand on anyone ever. (i.e. He never hit or smacked anyone.)”
- Anas RA said, “The Prophet ﷺ did not swear at anyone, nor was He rude, nor did He curse anyone. If He desired to reprimand someone, He would say: ‘What is wrong with him, may dust be cast in his face!” (Bukhari)
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "God has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds." (Bukhari & Ahmed)
III. Sense of Humour
Rasool Allah ﷺ had a good sense of humour and liked to joke often. He never cracked vulgar jokes or made fun of anyone.- Anas RA reports such an example by saying: “Once a man asked Muhammad ﷺ for an animal to ride. He replied that He would give him the baby of a she-camel to ride on. The man asked ‘What would he do with a she-camel baby?’ Muhammad ﷺ replied, ‘Is there any camel which is not born of a she-camel?’”
IV. Modesty
Rasool Allah ﷺ was modest in all aspects of his life and encouraged modesty in his companions as well. This included appearance as well as behaviour - he spoke little and even walked in a way that brought out his humility (in other words, he didn’t strut around)- In one of his hadiths, he said: “Modesty is a part of teachings of the previous Prophets and anyone who lacks it is most likely to do whatever he likes.” (Reported by Abdullah ibn Maslamah)
- In a similar hadith, Abu Ayoub al-Ansari narrates the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Four (traits) are from the practice of the Messengers; modesty, using perfume and siwak (tooth stick) and marriage." (Tirmidhi)
V. Consideration/Compassion
Rasool Allah ﷺ was considerate towards everyone but especially towards orphans, children, women, elders and animals.
- He would love children and orphans, he would treat animals fairly, he would give women their rights, he would respect the elders, he would provide what people asked of him, thus he was considerate to everyone without any discrimination.
- Prophet ﷺ said in a hadith: “I stand up for prayer intending to prolong it. In the meantime I hear the wailing of a baby and I have to shorten my prayer, being apprehensive lest my recitation of a long verse may tell upon the baby’s mother.” (Bukhari)
- Abu Masood al-Ansari said: "A man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: 'O Messenger of God! By God! I do not pray Fajr prayer because so and so lengthens the prayer.' He said: 'I have never seen the Messenger of God ﷺ deliver a speech in such an angry state.' He said: 'O People! Verily there are among you those who chase people away! If you lead people in prayer, shorten the prayer. There are old and weak people and those with special needs behind you in prayer.' " (Bukhari #670)
- Another well-known story is of an old woman, a neighbour, who made a habit of throwing trash in the way of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whenever he passed by her house. One day, when he walked out of his home there was no garbage. This made the Prophet inquire about the old woman and he came to know that she was sick. The Prophet went to visit her and offer any assistance she might need. The old woman was extremely humbled and at the same time ashamed of her actions in light of the concern that the Prophet showed her. By seeing the example of compassion of Prophet Muhammad , she became convinced that Islam must be a true religion that the Prophet was preaching.
VI. Team Player
Rasool Allah ﷺ, despite being the leader of the Muslims, was not a king who commanded his followers to carry out his orders. Rather he always carried out his own affairs and helped others in collective duties.- Aisha RA was once asked about how the Prophet ﷺ behaved with his family. She said: "He helped and assisted his family members with their chores; but when the call to prayer was heard, he would [stop everything and] leave to attend the prayers.”
- Al-Baraa bin ‘Azib said, "I saw the Messenger of God ﷺ on the Day of the Trench carrying dirt [that was dug from the trench] until his chest was covered with dirt." (Bukhari #2780)
- On one of the journeys of the Prophet, the group of travelers embarked on roasting a goat. One volunteered to slaughter the animal, another to skin it, and another to cook it. The Prophet ﷺ said that he would collect the firewood. Although his companions were quite ready to do all the work, the Prophet wanted to pitch in. He never assumed superiority over his companions.
VII. Generosity
Rasool Allah ﷺ was very generous and often let others needs take precedence over his own.- Jaabir ibn Abdullah RA said, “Whenever the Messenger of Allah was asked for anything, he never said no (to their request).” (Bukhari)
- Sahl b. Sa’d said: The Prophet ﷺ had more care for those around him than for his own self. "A woman gave the Messenger of God ﷺ a Burdah (gown). The Prophet ﷺ asked his Companions: ‘Do you know what a Burdah is?’ They replied, ‘Yes, O Prophet of God! It is a piece of woven cloth [similar to a shawl]. The woman said: ‘O Prophet of God! I have woven this shawl with my own hands, for you to wear.’ The Messenger of God ﷺ took it while he direly needed it. After a while, the Messenger of God ﷺ came out of his home wearing it, and a Companion said to the Messenger of God ﷺ: ‘O Prophet of God! Grant me this shawl to wear!’ The Messenger of God ﷺ said: ‘Yes.’ He then sat for a while, and headed back home, folded it and gave it to the person who asked for it. The Companions scolded him saying: ‘It was not appropriate for you to ask for his shawl; especially since you know he does not turn anyone down or send them away empty-handed! The man said: ‘By God! I only asked him to give it to me because I want to be shrouded in this shawl when I die.’ Sahl, the narrator of the Hadeeth said: ‘The shawl was used as a shroud for that man when he died." (Bukhari #1987)
VIII. Leadership
- When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ established himself in Madinah, he consulted with Jews, Muslims, and polytheists, and created a constitution, the first of its kind in the political history of humanity. Known as the Covenant of Madinah, it placed all citizens on equal footing with equal rights and obligations. The citizens of the city-state of Madinah consisted of Jews and Arab non-Muslims. They numbered in the tens of thousands. Muslims, however were a minority during the early days of Muhammad’s ﷺ rule: they numbered in the hundreds. Nonetheless, the Prophet proclaimed that they were a ummah wahidah, a single community, a constitutional confederation.
- One day, when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was in Madinah, a delegation of Christians visited him from Najran. They debated and discussed religious matters. They agreed on some issues. They disagreed on other issues. When it came time for the Christians to perform their prayers, they excused themselves to leave the mosque. The Prophet insisted that they pray in his mosque as it was a place of prayer and a house of God. And so the Christians prayed and celebrated mass in the mosque of the Prophet. This event is meticulously documented in Muslim sources. Not only is it authentic, it is exemplary. It is the very embodiment of Islamic ethics.
- As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was walking up the line straightening it with an arrow in his hand, he came to one Sawadi Ibn Ghaziya, who was standing too far out of line. "Stand in line, O Sawadi," the Prophet said, gently pricking him in the belly with his arrow. "You have hurt me, O apostle of God," Sawadi cried, with a much-exaggerated cry of pain. "God has sent you to teach us about right and justice, so please allow me to retaliate". "Take your retaliation," said Muhammad with a smile, uncovering his own belly. Sawadi kissed it and embraced him. "O Messenger of God," he said. "You see what is before us, and I may not survive the battle, and as this is my last time with you I want my skin to touch yours.’ Muhammad then blessed him. With soldiers like that you tend not to lose battles. (Transmitted by Ibn Is'haque from Hib'ban)
- After Prophet Muhammad ﷺ agreed to the terms and conditions in the peace treaty imposed by the Quraysh tribe at Hudaybia, many of his companions were profoundly upset with him, since the terms were favorable to the enemy. All of his companions refused to obey a direct command of his, which was to make the sacrifices and complete some of the rituals of the Hajj. Prophet Muhammad, saddened and worried by this development, retreated to his tent where his wife Umm Salama, advised him to go back out and silently perform the very acts he had ordered. When his companions saw him lead by example, they immediately followed him and a major mutiny was averted.
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had close acquaintance with his people, which proved to be vital for getting their admiration and belief in him. By knowing his followers in person and building close relationships with them, he could appoint the best man for every task, who would readily accept the challenge in the way of Allah and his Prophet ﷺ, which eventually resulted in increased output and productivity.
- This is what the Prophet ﷺ also accomplished in Medina - a community which was not based upon religion or ethnicity but one built on unity and acceptance. One built on tolerance. One built on peace. It seems the Prophet was aware that spirituality and faith cannot be governed, and for this reason alone, he sought unity and respect as opposed to discriminating between tribes and their beliefs.
- "Make things easy and do not make things hard. Tell people of glad tidings, and do not push them away." (Bukhari)
IX. Truthfulness
- A’ishah RA said: "The trait and characteristic which the Prophet ﷺ hated most was lying. A man would tell a lie in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ and he would hold it against him, until he knew that he repented." (Tirmidhi #1973)
- Even his enemies attested to his truthfulness. Abu Jahl, who was one of the harshest enemies of Islam, said: ‘O Muhammad! I do not say that you are a liar! I only deny what you brought and what you call people to.’
- Allah, SWT, says in Surah Al Anaam: "We know indeed that what they say certainly grieves you, but surely they do not call you a liar; but the unjust deny the verses of God." [6:33]
X. Forgiveness
Rasool Allah ﷺ was forgiving even towards those who caused him the most harm and pain.- Aisha RA reported: She asked the Prophet, “Have you encountered a day harder than the battle of Uhud?” The Prophet ﷺ said, “Your tribes have troubled very much, and the worst was the day of Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn Abd Yalail ibn Abd Kulal (who was one of the chiefs of Ta'if) and he did not respond to what I intended. I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and I could not relax until I found myself at a tree where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying: Allah has heard your people’s saying to you and how they have replied, and Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people. The Angel of the Mountains greeted me and he said: O Muhammad, order what you wish, and if you like, I will let the mountains fall on them.” The Prophet said, “No, rather I hope that Allah will bring from their descendants people who will worship Allah alone without associating partners with him.”
- A great example of his forgiveness and perseverance is apparent when he pardoned the people of Makkah after its conquest. When the Messenger of God ﷺ gathered the people; who had abused, harmed and tortured him and his companions, and had driven them out of the city of Makkah, he said:
"What do you think I will do to you?’ They answered: ‘You will only do something favorable; you are a kind and generous brother, and a kind and generous nephew!’ The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Go - you are free to do as you wish." (Baihaqi #18055)
XI. Wisdom/Justice
- Amir b. Sa'd reported on the authority of his father (Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas): Allah's Messenger ﷺ visited me in my illness which brought me near death in the year of Hajjat-ul-Wada' (Farewell Pilgrimage). I said: Allah's Messenger, you can well see the pain with which I am afflicted and I am a man possessing wealth, and there is none to inherit me except only one daughter. Should I give two-thirds of my property as Sadaqa ? He said: No. I said: Should I give half (of my property) as Sadaqa? He said: No. He (further) said: Give one-third (in charity) and that is quite enough. To leave your heirs rich is better than to leave them poor, begging from people; that you would never incur an expense seeking therewith the pleasure of Allah, but you would be rewarded therefor, even for a morsel of food that you put in the mouth of your wife. I said: Allah's Messenger. would I survive my companions? He (the Holy Prophet) said: If you survive them, then do such a deed by means of which you seek the pleasure of Allah, but you would increase in your status (in religion) and prestige; you may survive so that people would benefit from you, and others would be harmed by you."
- A’ishah RA said: "The Prophet ﷺ was not given a choice between two matters, except that he chose the easier of the two, as long as it was not a sinful act. If that act was a sinful act, he would be the farthest from it.
XII. Regard for his wives
XIII. Regard for children
Rasool Allah ﷺ liked to express his affection especially towards children.- It is reported that he often kissed his grandchildren and other children. He also enjoyed playing with them. One such example can be seen from his life when he used to say to kids: “I’ll give such and such (i.e. gift or so) to the one who comes to me first.” So they used to race and fall on his back and chest. (Ahmad)
- The Prophet was the kindest of people, and this was also apparent in his treatment of infants. "The Messenger of God ﷺ performed Salah (prayer) while he was carrying Umaamah, daughter of Abul-Aas and Zainab. When he bowed, he put her on the ground, and when he stood up, he would carry her again." (Bukhari #5650)
- One day, while Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was going to a gathering with his companions, he ran into Hussein who was playing on the street. He stopped in front of him, opened his arms and called him. But Hussein did not want to come and he ran away playfully. Then the Prophet ﷺ ran after Hussein laughing and caught him. Then he kissed and stroked him and gave him his blessings.
- In another narration by Jabir, the Prophet ﷺ was pretending to be a camel, and his grandsons were riding on his back. He was walking on his hands and feet and made a compliment to them: “How wonderful is your camel and how wonderful riders you are!”
- Anas b. Malik RA was a companion who had served the Prophet ﷺ from the age of ten. The Prophet sometimes joked with him by saying: “Ya Za’l-uzunayn (O you with two ears).” Then he would pull Malik’s locks lightly and caress him.
- A'isha RA, talking of Bibi Fatimah RA, says she bore a remarkable resemblance to her father ﷺ. She not only looked like him, but her way of speaking, sitting, standing and walking - in other words all her mannerisms and gestures were exactly like his. Whenever her father visited her she would receive him and kiss his forehead with respect. They were exceptionally close to each other and whenever she visited her father, he would stand up and receive her. If he saw her troubled or sad he would also be grieved, and if he saw her happy he would also be pleased.
XIV. Guide
Rasool Allah ﷺ was sent as a guide to all of of humanity.
وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا ۚ مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَٰكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
XV. Attitude towards animals and nature/environment
- As per Rasool Allah ﷺ, “There is none amongst the believers who plants a tree, or sows a seed, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats thereof, but it is regarded as having given a charitable gift [for which there is great recompense]." [Al-Bukhari, III:513]
- The Prophet ﷺ recognized man's responsibility to God but always maintained humility. Thus he ﷺ said: "When doomsday comes, if someone has a palm shoot in his hand, he should plant it," suggesting that even when all hope is lost for mankind, one should sustain nature's growth. He believed that nature remains a good in itself, even if man does not benefit from it.
- Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ incited believers to share the earth's resources. He ﷺ said: "Muslims share alike in three things — water, herbage and fire," and he considered it a sin to withhold water from the thirsty. "No one can refuse surplus water without sinning against Allah and against man" [Mishkat al Masabih]
- In another hadith: "If anyone wrongfully kills even a sparrow, let alone anything greater, he will face God's interrogation" [Mishkat al Masabih].
XVI. Regard for Neighbors
Due to their enforceable rights, there are many prophetic traditions that command kind treatment to neighbors.- Because of the repeated recommendations by Angel Gabriel on neighbors, the Prophet ﷺ thought that the neighbor would be given a share of inheritance and be considered family member. On the authority of ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar RA said, Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Gabriel kept reminding of neighbors' rights that I thought he would order me to take them for heirs”.
- Islam told mankind that the best Muslim is the one who is best to his neighbors. On the authority of ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As who said that Allah’s Messenger said, “The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companion, and the best of neighbors with Him is the one who is best to his neighbor”. Reported by At-Termidhi (no. 1944) and authenticated by Al-Albani.
- Abu Huraira RA relates: “The Prophet said: ‘He who believes in God and in the Day of Judgement should occasion no inconvenience to his neighbour: he who believes in God and in the Day of Judgement should occasion no inconvenience to his guest, and he who believes in God and in the Day of Judgement should utter only words of virtue or should keep quiet."[Sahih Muslim]
Rasool Allah ﷺ led a simple life. He always wore clean clothes and these clothes were usually not in good condition, which depicts the simplicity of our beloved Prophet Rasool Allah ﷺ. He was very kind, humble and loving.
Rasool Allah ﷺ was a living example for all and his life was and is a means of guidance to all of us. May Allah bless Rasool Allah ﷺ and his family and his companions and all who follow them with sincerity until the last day (Ameen).
